Shuffleboard

1 Overview

Shuffleboard is a precision sliding game played in two forms: table shuffleboard (played on a long waxed indoor table) and court shuffleboard (played outdoors on a concrete or asphalt court). In both versions, players slide weighted pucks or discs toward a scoring zone at the far end, trying to land in high-value areas while knocking opponents' pieces out of position. The game combines elements of bowling, bocce, and curling.

2 Table vs. Court Shuffleboard

3 Table Shuffleboard Rules

Table shuffleboard is the bar/rec room version. Players stand at one end and slide pucks by hand toward the scoring zones at the opposite end.

1. Each team has 4 pucks (black vs. yellow, or red vs. blue).
2. Teams alternate sliding pucks, one at a time, from the same end toward the scoring zones at the far end.
3. Pucks that hang over the edge of the far end (the "hanger") score bonus points in some rulesets.
4. Pucks that fall off the side or fail to cross the foul line score zero and are removed.
5. After all 8 pucks are played, score the frame (see scoring).
6. In the next frame, players shoot from the opposite end.

4 Court (Deck) Shuffleboard Rules

Court shuffleboard is played on a 52-foot long outdoor court using cue sticks to push plastic discs into scoring triangles.

1. Each player has 4 discs (yellow or black). In 2-player play, each uses all 4. In 4-player play, partners stand at opposite ends.
2. Players alternate shooting discs with cue sticks from the shooting area at one end toward the scoring triangle at the other end.
3. Discs must not touch the scoring triangle dead line (ten-off zone) -- any disc touching the line is in the 10-off zone and subtracts 10 points.
4. After all discs are played, score the end. Players then walk to that end and shoot back.

5 Scoring

Table Shuffleboard Scoring

Scoring zones vary by table design, typically:

• Zone 1 (closest): 1 point
• Zone 2 (middle): 2 points
• Zone 3 (farthest, hanging over the end): 3 points

Only the team with the puck farthest down the table scores. They score points for each of their pucks that is farther than the opponent's farthest puck (cancellation scoring). First to 15 or 21 wins.

Court Shuffleboard Scoring

Only the player with the highest-scoring disc scores per end (cancellation). First to 75 wins.

6 Strategy Guide

Table Shuffleboard

• Knock opponents out of scoring position. A well-placed knock shot removes an opponent's lead puck while setting up your own in scoring position.
• Ride the rail. Pucks slid along the side rail maintain direction better than center shots on many tables. Learn your table's grain.
• Wax matters. More shuffleboard wax (sand/powder) slows pucks; less speeds them up. Adjust your speed to the table's current wax level, which changes during a game.

Court Shuffleboard

• Avoid the 10-off zone. Short shots are better than long shots that risk the dead line. A 0 is better than -10.
• Guard your 10s. Once you land a disc in the 10 zone, place subsequent discs to block the opponent's path to it.

7 FAQ

Scoring Zone Diagrams

Table Shuffleboard — End Zone

Court Shuffleboard — Scoring Triangle

More Frequently Asked Questions